Pralhad Joshi Invites Karnataka Sugarcane Farmers to Delhi for Talks on FRP Hike

Joshi, who represents Karnataka's Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency, made the appeal as sugarcane growers prepared to stage a protest in Hubballi on Tuesday.

In a video message posted on X, the Union minister said the Centre was willing to meet farmer representatives and discuss their concerns with the relevant officials.

“I welcome Karnataka's farmers to Delhi with utmost respect. We will arrange for farmer leaders to sit with the concerned officials and discuss their issues and find solutions,” Joshi said.

He said there was no need for farmers to protest on the streets when the government was prepared to engage with them directly.

Joshi also pointed to the Centre's annual revisions of sugarcane FRP under the Narendra Modi government. He said the FRP had been raised to Rs 365 in May this year and assured farmers that an appropriate price would be considered for sugarcane growers this year as well.

According to Joshi, farmer representatives had met him in February 2026 while he was travelling to an event and had requested an increase in the FRP. He said the Centre subsequently raised the FRP to Rs 365 in May.

The minister noted that he had not met any farmer representatives since that revision, but said protests were now being planned again over demands for another increase.

“There is no need for a protest. The Central government is ready to respond to the farmers' concerns,” he said.

Joshi also clarified that any further decision on the FRP would be taken after considering the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), along with the report and recommendations of the state Cane Commissioner.

“If you come directly to Delhi, we will discuss the matter with the concerned officials and take steps towards ensuring an appropriate price. I extend an open invitation to farmer leaders and protesters,” Joshi said.

He added that the government was willing to hold detailed discussions on the concerns and issues raised by sugarcane growers and take appropriate measures based on those discussions.

“I assure farmers that we will listen to their grievances with utmost humility and make sincere efforts to find appropriate solutions. Therefore, I request you to come for discussions with the government,” the minister said.

The invitation comes amid renewed demands from sugarcane growers in Karnataka for better returns, with farmer groups preparing to raise the issue through protests as the government considers the factors involved in determining the crop's remunerative price.